More than ornaments

However, China's lanterns are more than just decorations. The placement and color of lanterns serve as a vital communication link in these tremendously communal residential areas. Since red connotes vitality and energy at its maximal state, a red lantern placed outside a doorway tells of a birth or marriage. A blue lantern, representing declining energy or sickness, indicates there is illness in the household. And white signifies energy eliminated or death, so a white sash draped across the top of the doorway, flanked by two white lanterns announces that the family is in mourning.

Simple lanterns are used in everyday life in China: to light the way home at night and to hang on boats or outside shops and homes. More elaborate lanterns are made for a major traditional holiday in China: Lantern Festival.

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